Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has described Ghana’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Madagascar as a “small final,” insisting the team must give 100% to secure victory.

With Ghana hoping to build on their recent win over Chad, Addo is leaving nothing to chance.

“We don’t need 98 per cent, we don’t need 99 per cent, we need 100 per cent,” he said per Ghana FA.

“This is like a small final, and if we win this game, then we are really going to qualify, but it’s going to be very, very tough.”

The match will be played in Morocco, and while many expect Ghana to benefit from the neutral venue, Addo is wary of psychological traps.

“It should be, actually, yes there is an advantage, because it’s always not that easy if you play away and there are a lot of spectators but sometimes it’s also a trap.

"Psychologically, sometimes if you think it’s not going to be a hot atmosphere, it’s kind of a trap and you give maybe 1 or 2 per cent less.

"For me, I can say it not often again, we have to be really on our toes, no matter how the circumstances are, and we have to be there.

"We can't just go out and think we will win; we have to work hard for this. Every centimetre is important, every duel is important and we have to go in every duel 100 per cent if we want to win this match.”

Madagascar, who impressed in their last outing, will pose a serious threat, and Addo knows his side must not take anything for granted.

“We observed the Madagascar team and they have done really, really well especially in the last game, so they are in good form and it’s going to be a tough game.”

Despite acknowledging “some small issues here and there” with injuries, the coach assured that “in all, we are all good to go.”

Addo called on Ghanaians to continue their support, adding: “Thank you, Accra, for this unbelievable atmosphere. Thank you to the President of the country, the sports minister, GFA president, everybody who worked so hard… Keep on supporting, keep on helping us, and we can do this, but together.”